Annie

The very first patient I developed a relationship with was on three east in oncology. She was a young woman in her late 30s, early 40s. The day we met I was encouraged by the nurses on the floor to visit her. Annie was all teeth by the time we met, her smile was from ear to ear and her body the size a 12 year old. Annie genuinely loved life and all Gods creatures, she was a kind soul.The nursing staff sent me in as a chaplain, explaining  she had not been receptive to any other chaplains but as her life was closing in on her, they thought the two of us might find a way to make it work. 

When I entered her room she told me she didn't need a chaplain so I asked if I might just talk with her. I told her she was my first patient so I believe my newness made me more approachable, less religious more spiritual and easier to relate too.  I asked her about her illness and she explained she was dying and knew she was running short on time but wishing against all odds for a miracle.  She was adamant she had work that wasn't done and she couldn't leave yet. She knew intellectually that her body was being consumed by cancer but her spirit wasn't accepting leaving as a possibility.  Annie told me she didn't have a religion but believed much like the Native Americans, she embraced all of creation as a gift, one to be honored. She thought all life sacred. This beautiful soul was in the battle of her life and had all the scars to prove it but she smiled like the sun as if she had not a care in this world. She made room in her heart for a green chaplain and I became her official spiritual friend. She asked me to stay with her that very day when her doctor arrived to tell her all was done and the cancer was spreading , not retreating. She was certain they could find one more treatment  to continue her life but the doctors said they had no other options available. She was told to make peace with her circumstances and let's get you in contact with hospice. Annie wasn't having any of it, she wanted more time to love and care for her animals, more time to love and care for her humans. Her will power alone kept her alive for months longer than anyone could imagine possible. The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Annie lived about two months after our first encounter. Annie was in charge of all her health care decisions right up until the day she died but she never lived another day outside a medical facility. Her beautiful soul never allowing anyone to be burdened by her life, she made every decision possible, she asked nothing of others. Annie died as she lived with honor and respect for life, she left this world giving more than anyone thought possible. Annie died in hospice still hoping for one more day and willing to do whatever necessary to bring a smile to whomever entered her life.